He scrambled down to where the horses were. The whites of Amica's eyes told him the feisty stallion was frightened. Daniel and Usher each went to other horses to calm them. Amica recognised Odo with a snort and then to prove a point, kicked out at the wooden rail that prevented him from backing out the stall, but the sturdy wooden rail held firm. Odo was genuinely fearful; at any moment pirates could leap aboard and begin killing everyone. From below in the cog's hold, he could hear men fighting but could see nothing. He put the fear out of his mind and focused on the black stallion and slowly began rubbing his neck and speaking softly. The stallion continued to stamp its feet and toss its head. Realising he needed to do more, Odo quickly removed his capuchin and with care and soothing wor
